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Winter Escape to Mexico! Part 4 – What to Do in Playa del Carmen

November 14, 2016
by
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Emily: When I was a teenager, I traveled to Mexico as part of a mission trip to build homes for families in need.

The experience changed my life in such a positive way! I saw how kind and generous the Mexicans were towards me, even when they had very little. I realized how much we take for granted in the US, and how blessed we are in so many ways.

Since that time, I’ve wanted to return to Mexico for another mission trip. But this time, my friends and I were on vacation, so we visited Playa del Carmen before our recent trip to Cuba!

Stunning Cenote Sun Rays

No trip could ever replace that first time in Mexico though. I feel thankful that I was able to help others.

Dive in the Cenotes!

We had just a few days in Playa del Carmen, and one of our priorities was to organize a diving trip. We couldn’t decide if we wanted to do a reef dive or see a cenote (an underwater cave). We thought the cenote was a more original experience that you can’t find many other places, so that’s what we did.

We arranged to meet our guide at a local bar called Zenzi. The location was great, right on the beach!

There Are Apartments Above Zenzi Bar – I’d Love to Try One Out!

The food was really good, too. The bar is located near the lighthouse on the beach.

I’d Recommend a Stop by Zenzi Bar If You’re In the Area

We met up with Dave from Abyss Dive Center to discuss our options. He doesn’t have a brick & mortar store, but you can email him to reserve trips.

Out of the 6 of us, 2 were certified for scuba diving. The other 4 decided to go snorkeling. Dave was very nice and said we could do both snorkeling and scuba diving on the same trip.

Our New Friend Dave the Diver!

The cost for equipment was $145per person (or you can bring your own!) and the cost for diving was $50 per person (or $75 with a guide). We opted to not use a guide because the cenote was pretty small. We could see everything without a guide, anyway (with the exception of “the bat cave,” Dave said).

We let him know our height, weight, and shoe sizes so he could bring the right sizes. The next day, we met Dave near Zenzi bar at 8:30 am to try on our gear.

Getting Ready to Explore the Waters

After about 30 minutes, we went to the cenote. It was a half-hour drive. Dave arranged a van for us because he couldn’t fit us all in his car!

Accompany Me to the Edge of the Sea

We went to Dos Ojos for our excursion. Dos Ojos is south of Playa del Carmen, near the city of Tulum.

Beautiful Mural of the Dive Site!

We arrived at the cenote, and Dave explained where to snorkel and where to dive.

The Area at the Top Left Is the Only Place We Couldn’t Dive Without a Guide

Then, we went back up to change.

A Little Nervous for My First Real Dive!

This was my first dive since I earned my certification, so I was a bit jittery for the experience! But I knew I was in good hands, so I was up for anything.

The dive turned out to be easy, and really fun! The cenotes weren’t too deep, but when you’re underwater you get the true feeling of being in a cave.

Diving Below Our Snorkeling Friends

In some places, you can not go up to the surface for air. You’re completely surrounded by rock, and have to continue deeper into the the cave.

Diving Makes Me Feel Like I’m on a Different Planet!

This wasn’t an issue for me because I was relaxed and enjoying myself. But, if you are a bit claustrophobic, it may be scary.

Our first dive lasted about 40 minutes.

The Most Beautiful View Was Towards the End of the Dive

We took a break to eat lunch, sandwiches provided by Dave. We then went out for another dive and snorkel session.

The second dive was even better! It was a little darker, and there were a lot more stalagmites and stalactites. It was really cool to see a new underwater world!

It Was Fun to Slowly Maneuver Around the Underwater Obstacle Course of Rocks and Formations

Here’s a video highlighting our dive:

Snorkeling

The snorkeling took place in the same area as our dive.

There’s Still a Lot to See Without Scuba Diving

Dave showed us a very pretty tour of the surroundings.

I Felt Liberated Swimming Without a Wet Suit!

I highly recommend visiting the cenotes, even if you aren’t scuba certified!

I Liked How the Light Reflected From the Different Rocks

We finished up by 2:30 pm and rode back to our Airbnb condo. It was an enjoyable and fulfilling day!

Beaches

Beaches in Playa del Carmen are beautiful! And because of that, you can expect them to be touristy.

Some of the Beach Was Tattered From Use

I wouldn’t call it a relaxing atmosphere. The crowds can smother the peacefulness offered by the seashore. You were pretty much within 2 feet of someone the entire time. But we were together, and on vacation, so we went with the flow and had FUN!

Vendors were everywhere, offering beer, pizza, souvenirs, etc. On top of that, we could hear club music the entire time! Don’t go to Playa if you are looking for complete privacy and quiet space.

The Most Secluded Beach Spot We Could Find

I didn’t get a chance to do any snorkeling. But by the looks of it, I don’t think I would have seen very much.

Helping Gissell Escape the Crowds

We stayed at the beach to watch the sunset.

Beach Sunsets Are My Favorite Thing!

We then started our walk back home. We had to get up early the next day for our flight to Cuba!

The Beach Seemed to Clear out Around Dusk

Shopping

Playa del Carmen also has some fun areas for shopping!

I Enjoyed Shopping for Reader Giveaways!

Everything is bursting with gorgeous colors.

These Fabrics Are Dynamite!

There’s plenty of liquor you can sample for free!

Drinking and Shopping Is a Dangerous Combination

You can find folks selling handmade crafts along the street.

Gorgeous Handmade Jewelry for Sale on the Street

It was fun shopping for reader giveaways! My friend got a colorful shawl, just like the one I will be giving away in an upcoming raffle!

Editorial Note: We're the Million Mile Secrets team. And we're proud of our content, opinions and analysis, and of our reader's comments. These haven’t been reviewed, approved or endorsed by any of the airlines, hotels, or credit card issuers which we often write about. And that’s just how we like it! :)

Editorial Note: We're the Million Mile Secrets team. And we're proud of our content, opinions and analysis, and of our reader's comments. These haven’t been reviewed, approved or endorsed by any of the airlines, hotels, or credit card issuers which we often write about. And that’s just how we like it! :)